Month: February 2026

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Applications are open to join the established Goornong Community Reference Group and get involved in shaping the Goornong Structure Plan over the next 20 years.

The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a Structure Plan for Goornong to set a long-term vision for the town.

The Community Reference Group members take part in meetings, share community perspectives, and collaborate with City officers to inform and shape the structure plan. The group was created in 2020.

The Structure Plan will detail a long-term vision to guide change in Goornong that respects the existing character and qualities of the town. It will identify growth opportunities and make recommendations that respond to its future needs such as facilities services and infrastructure to support a growing town.

Other reports will also inform the Goornong Structure Plan:

• Wastewater study: Goornong currently uses on-site septic systems to manage wastewater. The City is working with Coliban Water to investigate potential future wastewater options for the town
• A Goornong Flood Study is on track for completion later this year. This study will inform the Structure Plan
• The City is also undertaking a review of rural areas, which will have a relationship with the Goornong Structure Plan

Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the structure plan project was moving to an important stage, with significant input from reference group members.

“As work begins on drafting the Structure Plan, the City is inviting more community members to join the reference group to help shape Goornong’s future,” Mr Petherbridge said.

“Expressions of interest are now open, and I encourage people who are interested in the future of Goornong to apply. There is capacity to expand the reference group to include six additional members.

“Most of the technical studies that inform the Goornong Structure Plan are progressing well and the project is moving to a critical next stage.

“The Reference Group is important because it brings the community, landowners, businesses and organisations together to develop an achievable plan which will guide Goornong over time.”

Applications close on Monday March 16, 2026.

To apply, visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is calling on members of the Marong community to provide their thoughts on what allied health services they would like to see operating from the new Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub.

City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager, Amy Holmes said the Marrungi Wayaparra Kindergarten was constructed with $5.5M in funding from the Victorian Government to help respond to unmet demand for three and four-year-old kindergarten places in the region by providing a 99-place kinder.

“Marrungi Wayaparra Kindergarten opened in January and has two consulting rooms that can be used by allied health professionals and the City would like to know what types of allied health services residents would like to see offered in Marong either on a weekly or monthly basis,” Ms Holmes said.

“Feedback we receive from the community will help us to understand what services would be most helpful for local families and based on what the community tells us, the City will invite the requested services to use the consulting rooms.

“While we will do our best to advocate for the services asked for, we cannot guarantee that every service will be available.

“Services could include things like Art/Creative Therapies, Audiology/Hearing, Dietetics/Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Maternal and Child Health, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology/Behaviour Therapy, Podiatry and Physical Intervention, Social Work/Welfare Support and Speech Pathology.”

The construction of the kindergarten building was the first stage of a two-stage project to establish the Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub Marong.  Stage two of the project is not yet scheduled for delivery with timing subject to future funding.

Marrungi Wayaparra means meeting in Marong in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

Residents can provide their feedback by completing a short survey on the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website by Monday March 9.

To provide feedback, visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Greater Bendigo residents can lend a helping hand at eight local sites in White Hills, Kangaroo Flat, Huntly, Epsom, Axedale, Bendigo, California Gully and North Bendigo on the Clean Up Australia Day weekend, Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1, 2026.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community based environmental event and a simple way to contribute to our local community and environment.

“Clean Up Australia Day has been part of the Greater Bendigo story for a long time, and what I love most is how it brings people together,” Cr Prince said.

“It’s not just about picking up rubbish, it’s a chance for us to care for the places we love, connect with our neighbours, and take pride in our natural surroundings.

“It’s really easy to get involved. Just head along to one of the eight local sites, wear some comfy clothes, bring gloves, a hat and a drink bottle, and check in with the site coordinator when you arrive.

“There’ll be some gloves and bags available at each site on the day, but if you can bring your own for collecting rubbish, even better, it all helps. It’s a simple way to make a real difference, and it’s always a great morning out with the community.”

Children 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

CASSINI

Issued on
17 Feb 2026 17:00

Cassini grass fire

The CFS is responding to a grass and scrub fire adjacent Bark Hut road at Cassini, on Kangaroo Island.

CFS volunteers on 5 trucks are currently working on the fireground and have halted the forward rate of spread, supported by farm fire units and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There is currently no risk to the community.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away.

Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary

Message ID 0009306

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 17 Feb 2026

The Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) has been revamped, with four new members to bring their expertise and provide strategic advice on the State’s historical cultural heritage.

The QHC is an independent statutory authority created under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 to safeguard, celebrate, and preserve Queensland’s cultural heritage.

Its key responsibilities involve making-decisions about applications for the Queensland Heritage Register and providing strategic advice to the Minister on heritage-related matters, including development of state-owned heritage places.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Acting DDG for Environment Heritage Policy and Planning, Kahil Lloyd said the new Chair Councillor Yvonne Barlow joined the QHC in 2025.

“As a continuing member of the QHC, she brings vast local government experience to the position of Chairperson,” Mr Lloyd said.

“She will be joined by six continuing members and four new members who will bring fresh eyes and fresh ideas.

“They perform a pivotal role in the conservation of our remarkable historical cultural heritage.

“The new and existing members offer a diverse set of skills and represent a range of industries and interests across Queensland.

“They will contribute relevant expertise in architecture, planning, conservation, law and tourism, and they are all passionate about conserving Queensland’s diverse heritage.

“Queensland’s heritage places stand as enduring symbols of our identity, offering a connection to our past that can illuminate the journey forward.

“The revitalised Council will play a decisive role in protecting the state’s treasured heritage sites, promoting cultural heritage tourism and highlighting the value of conserving heritage places for today and for generations to come.

“I would like to welcome the four new members and look forward to their insights on the conservation and celebration of Queensland’s most significant heritage places.

The QHC:

Chair Councillor Yvonne Barlow has more than 15 years of local government experience with Pine Rivers Council and City of Moreton Bay. The former National President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (2000–2004), she serves on a taskforce for the future management of Old Petrie Town, and previously was principal of her own real estate business.

*Ms Tanya Martin has more than 25 years experience in property and development, specialising in statutory planning, infrastructure negotiations, and complex stakeholder engagement. As the director of her own consultancy, she leverages her expertise and experience in major projects like Yarrabilba, Kinma Valley, and London’s Woodberry Down.

*Mr Michael Leong is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, a past President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association Inc, and a former board member of Urban Futures Brisbane, Michael is an expert in planning, environmental and valuation litigation and advisory services.

*Mr David Perkins has more than 40 years experience in strategic and statutory land use planning, tourism planning, and development project coordination. He is a qualified Regional and Town Planner, a past Vice-President and Registered Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, and a member of the Queensland Environmental Law Association.

*Mr Patrick Lane-Mullins is the Director of Property and Building with the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane and oversees its property portfolio, including numerous State and local heritage places. He serves on the Property Council of Australia Social Infrastructure Committee and the Mater Strategic Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Committee.

Ms Melissa Barnett is a cattle and wine producer managing a farm-stay on her family’s heritage-listed Taabinga Station in the South Burnett region. She is also a freelance journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and postgraduate qualifications in Information Management and Writing, Editing and Publishing.

Ms Fiona Gardiner is a heritage consultant, Associate Adjunct Professor, and PhD candidate. She served for 13 years as Director of Heritage in the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Recognised with a Public Service Medal (2019) and the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize (2022), she serves on the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Board and the Queensland Heritage Council.

Mr David Gole AM has more than 30 years’ experience in heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and contemporary additions, working on major projects such as Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane City Hall, and Africa Hall in Ethiopia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland’s School of Architecture and a board member of Ausheritage.

Ms Tina King has more than 20 years’ experience in heritage conservation and has worked on significant heritage sites across Australia, including Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. She currently leads the Queensland Heritage and Archaeology team at Urbis.

Emeritus Professor Darryl Low-Choy has more than 40 years’ experience in urban and regional planning, environmental planning, landscape management, and natural resource management through consulting, teaching, and research. He also has significant experience serving on and chairing boards in these fields.

Ms Jacqueline Pearce is a registered architect with 25 years experience leading heritage projects, including Queensland Parliament House and Rockhampton City Hall. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and member of Australia ICOMOS, she specialises in heritage assessments, conservation management, and adaptive designs.

* New Member of the QHC.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
17 Feb 2026 01:50

Issued for
Grass fire burning south towards Walker Street, Kingrose Street, Davies Street, Todd Street and Venables Road, Macclesfield in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
CFS is responding to a fire burning in a paddock on the northern outskirts of Macclesfield.

If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions. More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Work has commenced on Stage Two of a major redevelopment of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve pavilion following the completion of Stage One in December last year.

This $2.3M project is funded by $500k from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities grant program, $1.6M from the City of Greater Bendigo, and $180k from user groups including Golden Square Senior and Junior Football/Netball Clubs and the Golden Square Cricket Club.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the project is an investment in the future of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve.

“It’s an important project that includes a complete redevelopment of the existing pavilion to meet with current building and accessibility standards,” Cr Prince said.

“Works include new female friendly change rooms, new and improved kiosk and umpire change rooms, improved spectator viewing areas and minor landscaping works.”

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the project will result in a facility that provides access to modern facilities which have been constructed to comply with Senior Sporting Association Guidelines set out by the AFL, Cricket Victoria and Netball Victoria as well as Female Friendly Sports Infrastructure Guidelines.

“It’s exciting see the works start on stage 2 of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve Pavilion Upgrades. We’re one step closer to Golden Square FNC and Golden Square Cricket Clubs female players having change room facilities that they need to be able to fully participate in playing the sport they love,” Ms Chesters said.

“The Federal Labor Government is investing $500,000 in this vital project, honouring a 2022 Federal Election commitment I made to these clubs. In partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, Federal Labor and I are delivering community infrastructure like the Golden Square Recreation Reserve project.”

Stage Two is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

MOUNT BARKER

Issued on
14 Feb 2026 02:50

Vehicle and hay bale fire near Mt Barker

The CFS is responding to a vehicle and hay bale fire on Hawthorne Road, near Mount Barker in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

CFS firefighters on six trucks, supported by two Metropolitan Fire Service crews, SA Ambulance Service and SA Police have responded to a vehicle accident where a car had crashed into hay bales igniting both.

The fire quickly spread into the row of round bales, burning eleven bales before crews were able to save the remaining bales and contain the fire.

The driver was able to exit the vehicle.

Roads are currently open around this incident however emergency services will remain in the area working to extinguish the burning hay bales and ensure the area remains safe.

People travelling along Hawthorne Road, between Liebelt Summer Track and Ironstone Road, approximately 3km from Mount Barker are cautioned to be aware of emergency vehicles and slow to 25 km/h when approaching vehicles with red-and-blue flashing lights.

Message ID 0009283

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
14 Feb 2026 02:04

Warning area
Hawthorne Road between Liebelt Summer Track and Ironstone Road, 3km WSW of Mount Barker in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from MOUNT BARKER car and haybales fire is in the Hawthorne Road area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 25-year-old man after an escape from custody incident today.

Around 9am, officers attached to the Fugitive Task Force attempted to arrest a male at the Casuarina Bus Interchange in relation to an alleged domestic violence assault.

When the alleged offender was informed he was under arrest, he allegedly struck an officer to the face before fleeing on foot.

A large police response including members from the Dog Squad, Fugitive Task Force, Darwin Traffic Operations, Trident and Casuarina and Darwin General Duties conducted a search of the area which located the alleged offender hiding in a unit complex garden on Trower Road.

The offender fled over a fence before being arrested by officers following a short pursuit on foot along Dripstone Road.

The injured officer has attended Royal Darwin Hospital for medical treatment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2600014633. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.